DEMYSTIFYING: VITAMIN C

A vitamin C serum deserves a prime spot in your beauty cabinet, and we’re here to tell you why. Everyone knows fruit and veg is rich in vitamin C, and you can buy over-the-counter supplements, but how does it fit into your skincare routine? From what it actually does to how to use it and the key benefits, let’s break down everything you need to know about this glow-enhancing ingredient.

A brightening face serum suitable for all skin types.

 

NUXE Prodigieuse Boost Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Serum 30ml, £43

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in overall health and skincare, but – fun fact – your body can’t make it on its own. It’s naturally found in fruits like oranges, strawberries and kiwi, but it’s also the hero ingredient in many skin-brightening serums and beauty supplements.

As it’s an antioxidant, one of vitamin C’s key benefits is that it protects the skin from environmental stressors. In doing this, it helps support healthy-looking skin and may reduce the appearance of early signs of ageing. Plus, it promotes a radiant glow! It also supports collagen production, which may improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time, and can help lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Top tip: make sure your products are stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Vitamin C is a reactive ingredient that loses its antioxidant properties when exposed to light, heat, air and other chemicals. If not stored properly, it will oxidise, rendering its properties useless on the skin.

Vitamin C should not be used by people with extremely sensitive skin and can be problematic for people with oily skin. You should avoid using vitamin C with benzoyl peroxide, which can oxidise it, making it non-effective. Also avoid using vitamin C with other acids as it can cause irritation to the skin, and retinol – it can increase the risk of irritation and may affect stability, depending on the formula.

Like all skincare ingredients, there will always be some possible side effects, but generally vitamin C is a safe product. In high concentrations it can cause irritation, which is why it isn’t recommended for sensitive skin, and a lot of vitamin C-based products can be oily. So naturally, this isn’t ideal for people with an oily skin type either.

Green tea extract is gentle on the skin.

 

INNISFREE Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Toner Pads - 60 pads, £28

There are a lot of myths around the best time to apply vitamin C, but the truth is that as long as you’re consistent with it, it doesn’t really matter. If you want the facts, the morning – when you’re about to head outside and be exposed to the free radicals in the air – is arguably when the skin needs the most protection. On the flip side, evening is when the body’s vitamin C levels are at their lowest, so need topping up. Vitamin C can be used daily or every other day, depending on your skin's tolerance, and if it’s a vitamin C serum – apply after cleansing and before moisturising.